On August 8 and 9, Opera Parallèle and The Transgender District is set to present “Expansive: A Showcase of Transgender & Nonbinary Classical Artists.”
The showcase will feature baritone Lucas Bouk, bass-baritone Wilford Kelly, and violinist Queen Angelina as they take on music by such composers as Giordani, Brahms, R. Strauss, Vaughan Williams, Mozart, Verdi, Massanet, and Gershwin, among others. They are accompanied by Taylor Chan. Also on the program is Afrika America.
“We are so thrilled for the third annual ‘Expansive’ show in collaboration with Opera Parallèle,” said Transgender District Co-Executive Directors Breonna McCree and Carlo Gomez Arteaga in an official press release. “By featuring transgender and gender-expansive talent in the classical music field, we center these talented individuals who are making it possible for others who are often overlooked. To host two performances that showcase our talent and joy means so much to us and we hope the public will come and bask in the greatness of our trans existence.”
Opera Parallèle General & Artistic Director Nicole Paiement added, “Opera Parallèle is excited in continuing to deepen our relationship with the Transgender District and continue to give a voice to a growing diversity of artists. Building on the success of our two previous Expansive editions, I am deeply heartened by the fruitful partnership of our two organizations at providing a meaningful platform for underrepresented artists.”
The performances will take place at the A.C.T Strand Theatre in San Francisco.
